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 U.S. Senate Special Election 

Check here for information on the August 28, 2010 Special Primary and November 2, General Election!

Governor's Proclamation 

Special Election Bill 

Special Election Calendar 

Certified Returns of Special Primary 

Certified List of Candidates for General Election 

  



Frequently Asked Questions: 

Why is this election being held? 

  • This election is being held to elect a new U.S. Senator from the state of West Virginia to fill the vacancy of our late U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. 

I thought the vacancy had already been filled? 

  • U.S. Senator Carte Goodwin, appointed by Governor Joe Manchin III  is serving as a temporary representative of the state until after this election. 

When can I vote for the new  U.S. Senator? 

  • A primary election will be held on August 28, 2010.  Precincts will be open from 6:30a.m. until 7:30 p.m.  The general election for this office will take place with the normally scheduled November 2, 2010 election. 

If I am a non-affiliated voter, may I vote in the Primary Election?

  • If you are a voter who is NOT registered with the Democrat, Republican, or Mountain Party, and you wish to vote in the Special Primary Election, you must choose and request a ballot from one of the following parties: Democrat-Republican-Mountain

What are the qualifications to be a U.S. Senator?

  • In Article 1 Section 3, The U.S. Constitution states that "No Person shall be a Senator who shall not attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."
  • At Least 30 years old
  • Nine year citizen of the United States
  • When elected (at November 2, 2010 General Election), must be inhabitant of the state for which they have been chosen.

Where do I file to become a candidate for U.S. Senate?

  • All candidates must file with the Secretary of State.  The filing period begins at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday July 20, 2010 and ends 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010.  The Secretary of State's Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during this filing period. 
  • Please note: If filing by electronic means (facsimile or email) the original Certificate of Announcement must be in hand, at the Secretary of State's Office by 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010.
  • Electronic filings may be sent to these addresses, Fax: (304)558-8386  email: elections@wvsos.com 

How much is the filing fee?

  • The filing fee is $1,740.00.  This fee is based on 1% of the salary for the office.  Filing fees may be paid in cash, check, money order, cashier check, or credit card (phone or in person).